Overview
This lecture explores the different types of hackers—white hat, black hat, and grey hat—explaining their roles, motivations, and the ethical complexities involved in modern hacking culture.
Early Hacking and Phreaking
- Early hackers in the 80s and 90s often engaged in "phreaking," hacking telephone networks for free calls.
- Some former hackers later became security advisors for companies and governments.
Ethics and Ambiguity in Hacking
- The distinction between "good" and "bad" hackers is not always clear-cut.
- Notable hackers, like Julian Assange, are viewed differently by various groups; some see him as a hero, others as a threat.
Types of Hackers
Grey Hat Hackers
- Grey hat hackers operate illegally but inform targets of vulnerabilities, sometimes seeking payment or employment.
- Example: Khalil Shreateh exposed a Facebook bug by hacking Mark Zuckerberg's wall after being ignored by Facebook; he received no reward due to policy.
White Hat Hackers
- White hats are ethical hackers, usually hired or contracted to find and fix vulnerabilities in systems.
- They help protect user data and critical infrastructure from malicious attacks.
- Example: Jeff Moss (Dark Tangent) founded Black Hat and DEF CON conferences and advises governments on cybersecurity.
Black Hat Hackers
- Black hats hack with malicious intent, often to steal, cause damage, or extort money (e.g., through ransomware).
- The WannaCry ransomware attack caused widespread disruption, including cancellation of thousands of UK NHS appointments.
- Some black hats act for chaos or thrill, others for monetary gain.
- Example: Albert Gonzalez stole millions of credit card numbers for profit, receiving a 20-year sentence.
- Example: Gary McKinnon hacked US military computers seeking evidence of UFOs; faced potential 70-year sentence but had public support due to his motives and health.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Phreaking — Early hacking involving telephone systems to make free calls.
- Grey Hat Hacker — A hacker who exploits systems illegally but with semi-ethical intentions, often seeking compensation.
- White Hat Hacker — An ethical hacker hired to find and fix security issues.
- Black Hat Hacker — A hacker with malicious intent, targeting systems for personal gain or disruption.
- Ransomware — Malicious software that locks or cripples systems, demanding payment for restoration.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key differences between hacker types for exam preparation.
- Consider the ethical implications of hacking and discuss in upcoming class debates.
- Optional: Watch related shows on hacking ethics and famous hackers.